Recovery 101
This is a person, place, thing, feeling, or situation that can bring on the urge to use.
What is Triggers
A state where emotions become so intense that it becomes harder to think clearly or make good decisions.
What is emotional dysregulation
I had a horrible day, so I deserve a drink.
What is justification
The ability to understand and share another person's feelings or perspective
What is empathy
A strong desire or urge to use alcohol or another substance
What is a craving
This person is someone you can contact when you're struggling instead of trying to handle everything alone.
Who is a sponsor, peer, recovery coach, or trusted support person?
TRUE OR FALSE: If something triggers you, avoiding it means you're weak.
False. Avoiding unnecessary triggers can be part of protecting your recovery
Everybody else can control it. Maybe I can now too.
What is comparison/rationalization
Clearly expressing your needs, feelings, or boundaries while still respecting the other person
What is assertive communication
The belief that you are capable of successfully completing a task or making a change
What is self-efficacy
HALT stands for these four things that can make us more vulnerable to bad decisions.
What are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired?
You get into a huge argument and immediately start thinking about using. In this situation, what type of trigger is anger?
What is an emotional/internal trigger?
Expecting the worst possible outcome, even when there is little evidence it will happen
What is catastrophizing
Relying heavily on another person's approval or needs while neglecting your own well-being
What is codependency
The process of identifying situations that could lead back to substance use and developing ways to respond to them
What is relapse prevention
Recovery involves more than simply doing this.
Lets discuss further after answer is given
What is stopping alcohol/drug use?
Name three warning signs that might tell you you're getting closer to relapse BEFORE actually using.
What is isolating, romanticizing past use, skipping meetings, not answering support people, increased anger, lying, returning to old people/places, stopping healthy routines
Nobody understands what I'm going through, so there's no point talking about it
What is isolation/negative thinking
A pattern of trying to keep another person from experiencing the natural consequences of their unhealthy behavior
What is enabling
A return to substance use after a period of abstinence or recovery
What is a relapse
Name at least three areas of life that may need to change in order to protect your recovery.
What is people, places, routines, relationships, coping skills, thinking, boundaries, environment, finances, etc.
A technique that brings your attention back to the present moment when emotions, cravings, or thoughts become overwhelming
What is grounding
Blaming other people or situations for your own actions instead of taking responsibility for your choices
What is externalization
A manipulation tactic where someone causes another person to question their own memory, perception, or reality
What is gaslighting
The ability to recover and adapt after stress, difficulties, or setbacks
What is resilience